Philadelphia takes flight

The new-look Flyers are off to a fast start with two early wins. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Adam Proteau
2011-10-11 13:30:00

After a summertime break, THN.com’s Power Rankings are back – and the drastically revamped Philadelphia Flyers are at the top of the first week's list.

The unbeaten Flyers, who take on the Canucks and Kings this week, traded cornerstone forwards Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, but didn't miss a beat in season-opening wins over New Jersey and Boston, outscoring their opponents 5-1. Young star Claude Giroux is leading the team with two goals, while new starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a 0.50 goals-against average and .977 save percentage.

Here is our ranking of the 30 NHL teams thus far. Be sure to check back here every Monday for the newest list!

THE HOCKEY NEWS POWER RANKINGS

RK.

TEAM

OVERALL

THE SCOOP

1

2-0-0

New additions Ilya Bryzgalov, Wayne Simmonds fitting in nicely

2

2-0-0

Pavel Datsyuk, Jiri Hudler leading way for typically stellar Wings

3

2-0-1

Evgeni Malkin poised to have a monster season

4

2-0-0

Christian Ehrhoff leads scary Sabres in ice time (24:16)

5

1-0-1

Western Conference champs have Flyers, Wings on back-to-back nights

6

2-0-0

Jason Chimera leads unbeaten Caps with three goals; Ovechkin has just one assist

7

1-1-0

Hawks home to Jets, Bruins this week

8

1-0-0

Deep Sharks have played just once, but dominated Yotes

9

1-1-0

Ex-Flyers captain Mike Richards returns to Philadelphia Saturday

10

1-1-1

Bolts allowed 10 goals in their past two games (both losses), but that should change for the better with this week’s tilts against Isles, Panthers

11

2-0-0

Preds home to face Phoenix, New Jersey before Western Canadian road swing next week

12

1-1-0

Ducks do battle with division rival Sharks twice over next three games

13

2-0-0

Unbeaten Maple Leafs looked like two different teams against Sens, but defense seems much improved

14

1-2-0

Defending champs have one goal-for in their two losses; Thomas looking just as dangerous as he did last season

15

1-1-0

Veteran Jason Arnott making notable impact in first week with new team, leading Blues scorers with two goals and three points